The Roter Veltliner
Grape
A rare white grape variety native to Austria, producing aromatic, full-bodied wines with high acidity, featuring flavors of ripe apple, pear, and spices, often with a creamy texture and the potential for aging.
Roter Veltliner
Grape History
Roter Veltliner is a white wine grape variety that is thought to have originated in Austria. It is also known as Veltlínské červené in the Czech Republic and is not related to the more common Grüner Veltliner grape. The history of Roter Veltliner dates back centuries, with some experts tracing its roots as far back as the Roman times.
Roter Veltliner is a relatively rare grape variety, with only a few hundred hectares planted worldwide. It is primarily grown in the regions of Wagram and Weinviertel in Lower Austria, as well as in parts of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The grape is known for its high acidity and potential for producing complex and age-worthy wines.
One of the interesting facts about Roter Veltliner is that it is a versatile grape that can be used to produce a range of different wine styles. It is often used to make dry, crisp white wines that exhibit flavors of citrus, green apple, and white pepper. In addition to dry wines, Roter Veltliner can also be used to produce sweeter styles, such as late-harvest or noble rot wines.
Roter Veltliner is not as well-known on the international stage as some other white grape varieties, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years among wine enthusiasts and producers looking to experiment with lesser-known grapes. Some winemakers are drawn to the grape's unique flavor profile and the opportunity to create distinctive wines that stand out in a crowded market.
In terms of the projected future of Roter Veltliner, it is likely to remain a niche grape variety that appeals to a more adventurous segment of the wine-drinking population. As consumers continue to seek out unique and interesting wines, there may be increased interest in Roter Veltliner and a growing market for wines made from this grape.
Overall, Roter Veltliner is a grape variety with a rich history and a promising future. With its unique flavor profile, versatility in winemaking, and potential for producing high-quality wines, Roter Veltliner is a grape to watch in the world of wine.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel